My Coffee Journey around the world in 25 days. Part 3: Taiwan.

Taiwan never crossed my mind until I got an invitation by the Taiwanese Embassy in El Salvador to be an exhibitor in the 2015 Wine, Coffee and Tea Expo. Whom I thank from the bottom of my heart for this unique oportunity!

Coffee has been in the Taiwanese market the last few years, the consumption rate is increasing and good quality coffees from around the world can be easily found in the coffee shops around town.

When I arrived to the Exhibition center… Imagine my emotion when I saw my tiny booth with my brand on it!

This was my first time as an exhibitor and let me tell you… It’s so cool but you end up very tired at the end of the day! Thankfully I had plenty coffee to be able to keep up the energy!! I also wished I could understood Chinese; it was frustrating not being able to comunicate by myself with the attendees.

For me it was an amazing experience to be able to see the different facial expresions of the attendees when tasting coffee — Remember they are more used to drink Tea — so when you get a smile… Bam! You made it!! It means they liked the coffee!! Yes! Of course! I got so many smiles!!

The Expo also was about getting to know more people from the Industry and sharing stories.

But life is not all about work… There’s a famous quote by Paulo Coelho that I do believe in: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” It has been happening to me the last 4 years and in Taiwan I got a reminder… Professionally speaking I had the chance to see my beans roasted and packed in Taipei; Personally speaking, I got the answers I had being asking for a while, finally gave closure to some past chapters of my life and found another piece of me. When you sincerely let go and stop trying to control everything; amazing things come your way.

Some people say God sends Angels to light up your way. I guess most people keep on expecting a spiritual being dressed in tunic and wings. My Angel in Taiwan was Claudia who helped me heal my Soul through her personal story and advice!

I also spent a couple of days with my friends from Black Gold Coffee sharing my story and coffee with their friends and clients.

Thanks to that; I had the chance of visiting other cities south of Taipei riding on one of the fastest trains in Asia. So cool! Taiwan is definitely beautiful! And in Taichung… Guess what!? Found food that tastes like the one they serve in Chinese restaurants here in El Salvador! Finally!!! LOL.

I also had the most unique experience to end my stay in Taiwan… I was taken to a Buddhist Temple!

I was taught a bit on the beliefs and religious practices; while burning some incense sticks to give as offerings specially to the Agriculture God! Happy Harvest 2016!!

Next Stop: Tokyo!!